It was an electric night that saw Sam Callaghan leave the competition and I was lucky enough to spend time backstage at The X Factor with presenter Pips Taylor.
Ahead of the show we bumped into Sam Bailey outside the judges dressing rooms. Sam said: “I’m waiting for my family and friends. I've got lots of people coming down to sit in the audience so I want to make sure they all get in.” And get in they did – Sam Bailey’s supporters, who were wearing matching white shirts, made sure their prescence was known as they cheered her on.
Before taking our seats there was just time to pop in to say hi to the X Factor glam squad for a quick chat. Head hair honcho Jamie Stevens was busy making last minute adjustments elsewhere ,but Pips grabbed the rest of his team for a quick snap. Pips says: "They work so hard on the weekends to get the finalists looking amazing so it was nice to pop in and catch up with them."
The atmosphere inside the studio was electric and as we took our seats we spied Kate Moss and her husband Jamie Hince, plus Sharon's husband Ozzy Osbourne, sat in the audience. The A-list guests, were matched by steller performances on stage from Miley Cyrus and even Gary Barlow swapped his judge's chair for a piano seat to perform his new track.
Pips says: "The show was fantastic, Gary put on a killer performance, the studio were on their feet the whole time and I have never heard such screams - The ladies love Gary! Miley was amazing and although I think we were all expecting her to do something shocking in true Miley style but she kept the performance simple and just belted her heart out."
After the show we bumped into AJ Odudu and Melvin O'Doom, who were waiting to head into the The Xtra Factor studio along with Rough Copy, Tamera Foster and Hannah Barrett.
In the backstage bar we caught up with Sam Callaghan, who had sadly been voted out of the competition. He said: “I got great comments from the judges this week and they said that it was my best performance yet. I know big things are around the corner and I just need to keep going.”
Pips says: “Sam is such a great guy, he smashed his performance I have no doubt he'll do well. His version of The Goo Goo dolls was such a high for him to go out on.”
Hannah Barrett, who was celebrating her success with her family, said she was thrilled to escape being in the bottom two, given she found herself there last week.
She said: “I'm so happy I got through. My feet are absolutely killing me though, you will only ever see me wearing heels to get the results. These shoes are coming off right now.”
Pip says: “I love Hannah, she's so bubbly and I'm really pleased that she got voted through by the public. Her laugh is absolutely infectious and we have a good old cackle when were chatting!”
Tamera Foster admitted she was annoyed she had stumbled over her words on Saturday night's show and said: “I forgot my words this week but I’m going to learn from it and go out and smash it next week.”
Pip says: "Tamera is brilliant she looks every inch the popstar. She might have suffered a slip up but I think she's going to be huge and she is such a lovely girl, always smiling and happy to chat.”
Luke Friend, who was voted through to next week by the judges admitted he was sad to see his friend Sam go but glad he would be returning next week.
He said: “I’m gutted Sam has gone, we are so close.”
Pips says: “Luke is a fighter, he’s great to interview and we always have such a giggle- I love his voice- it's got such a raspy tone – my Mum is a big fan too!”
Rough Copy were being asked for pictures left, right and centre from audience members and even from the family and friends of other contestants. Pip admits she has a soft spot for the boys and says: "Each week I look forward to their performace as they are so fun. They are very cheeky in interviews as well – full of style and swagger."
Xtra Factor host Matt Richardson was hanging out backstage with former contestant Giles Potter, who got through to Judges Houses, and the pair couldn't resist giving Pips a cuddle.
There was just enought time to say a quick Hi to the gorgeous Caroline Flack before she headed off to C restaurant.
What a night!
You can watch Pips interview the X Factor contestants **here **and you can follow her on Twitter @PipsTaylor